My education was important for many reasons. I was able to learn many things that have helped me. Being primarily a skateboard photographer I didn’t really need a degree. In fact, my degree hasn’t helped me get one job. Although I do still feel that it’s very important to get. Having the educational background helps you in many way. If your debating it, I would say do it. You’ll learn a lot and make get connections. 

The most influential thing in my career so far would be interning with a photographer in Kansas City, Dan White. He taught me so much from workflow to important aspects of photography. He made me trust digital instead of being a die hard film guy. It was very helpful to learn from a working photographer. I still use what he taught me today. 

Hope this helps!